The Timken is dedicated to safeguarding this legacy by preserving its collection and bringing it to life through exhibitions and educational programs that inspire learning, dialogue, and meaningful connections. Each work of art offers a direct encounter with the past, inviting us to see the world through another's eyes and enriching our understanding of both history and us.
Many of the artworks in the Timken's collection are hundreds of years old and cannot be replaced. Even the lightest touch transfers natural oils and moisture that can cause irreversible damage over time, accelerating deterioration and altering the artist's original surface. Protecting these works ensures they remain available for future generations to study, appreciate, and enjoy and we invite you to assist us in protecting the collection.
Visitors share in the responsibility of caring for these remarkable objects. By treating them with respect today, we all can help ensure they continue to inspire curiosity, reflection, and discovery for generations to come.
Impacts of Touching Art
Did you know that even a small touch can damage artworks, creating permanent changes in the object? Although the work may be cleaned or repaired, the artwork will never be the same again. Below are examples of the different types of damage to artworks and why we ask for your help in maintaining the integrity of our collection.
OIL FROM HANDS
Natural skin oils, dust, and dead skin transfer with a touch and can darken artworks over time.
PAINT LOSS
Physical contact can disturb fragile paint layers, accelerating flaking and visible loss.
SURFACE BURNISH
Light touching can polish matte surfaces, creating irreversible glossy spots on delicate paintings.
CRACKING
Cobweb-like cracks can appear years after a touch, radiating from the point of impact.
LOSS OF GILDING
The heat from our hands can cause delicate gilding on antique frames to crack and chip.
Become an Art Protector
Young visitors are invited to join a very important mission at the Timken: helping us care for the collection. Our Art Protector program introduces children to the joy of looking closely, the wonder of centuries-old paintings, and the responsibility that comes with being a good guest to great art. Upon arrival, junior guests receive an Art Protector badge featuring one of the Timken's beloved masterpieces. As they explore the galleries, they take on the role of caretaker, learning to observe without touching, to give art the space it deserves, and to share what they discover with their families.
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